1
a
: of, relating to, or concerned with atoms
atomic physics
b
: nuclear sense 2
atomic energy
2
a
: marked by acceptance of the theory of atomism
3
: minute
4
of a chemical element
: existing in the state of separate atoms
Synonyms
Examples of atomic in a Sentence
made atomic adjustments to the clock's mechanism to keep it from whirring as it ran
Recent Examples on the Web
In the aftermath of the Berlin blockade and the creation of NATO, followed by the Soviets’ detonation of their first atomic weapon, readers—Americans, especially—might have been eager for an anti-Stalinist bedtime story.
—
Stephen Metcalf, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2024
That’s in addition to Mechagodzilla, who plays a bigger role here than the fire-breathing atomic metaphor that inspired him.
—Katie Rife, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2024
Some studies suggest that a molecular cloud forms when even bigger clouds of atomic hydrogen (single hydrogen atoms) smash into one another.
—Nia Imara, Scientific American, 20 Feb. 2024
For generations, Cordova's family, like others in the area, has battled cancer, a grim legacy of the atomic tests.
—Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 11 Mar. 2024
The monster was historically written as a metaphor for the ills of nuclear weapons and atomic testing.
—Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 11 Mar. 2024
But despite rampant skepticism in some corners, BMW is among the automakers and policymakers convinced that our lightest atomic element holds a key to achieving carbon neutrality—for our personal cars, commercial trucks, and the energy grid itself.
—IEEE Spectrum, 22 Feb. 2024
Except, of course, a diamond’s appeal has never had that much to do with the chemical specifications or atomic structure of the stone itself.
—Amanda Mull, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2024
Opinions For five decades, atomic veterans were forbidden to tell anyone about their experiences, including with nuclear tests.
—David Leonhardt, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2024
Stephen Metcalf, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2024
That’s in addition to Mechagodzilla, who plays a bigger role here than the fire-breathing atomic metaphor that inspired him.
—Katie Rife, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2024
Some studies suggest that a molecular cloud forms when even bigger clouds of atomic hydrogen (single hydrogen atoms) smash into one another.
—Nia Imara, Scientific American, 20 Feb. 2024
For generations, Cordova's family, like others in the area, has battled cancer, a grim legacy of the atomic tests.
—Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 11 Mar. 2024
The monster was historically written as a metaphor for the ills of nuclear weapons and atomic testing.
—Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 11 Mar. 2024
But despite rampant skepticism in some corners, BMW is among the automakers and policymakers convinced that our lightest atomic element holds a key to achieving carbon neutrality—for our personal cars, commercial trucks, and the energy grid itself.
—IEEE Spectrum, 22 Feb. 2024
Except, of course, a diamond’s appeal has never had that much to do with the chemical specifications or atomic structure of the stone itself.
—Amanda Mull, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2024
Opinions For five decades, atomic veterans were forbidden to tell anyone about their experiences, including with nuclear tests.
—David Leonhardt, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'atomic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near atomic
Cite this Entry
“Atomic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atomic. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
atomic
adjective
atom·ic
ə-ˈtäm-ik 
1
: of, relating to, or concerned with atoms, atomic bombs, or nuclear energy
atomic physics
the atomic age
atomic energy
2
: extremely small
3
: found in the state of separate atoms
atomic hydrogen
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